ABSTRACT
Attention - deficit/hyperactivity disorder [ADHD] has been increasingly recognized as a valid adult diagnosis. Yet, its prevalence and associated impairments in university students have received little attention. This descriptive study aimed to determine the rate of ADHD in a group of Iranian university students. For this cross-sectional study, 409 university students living in Fatemeh-Al-Zahra dormitory [Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences] were selected through convenience sampling, and after excluding 165 students [by exclusion criteria] the rest were assessed using the self-administrated Conner's Questionnaire for ADHD. Statistical analysis was performed by chi-square and Fisher's exact tests. The prevalence of ADHD was 3.7% in the study population [according to ADHD index]; subscale B [hyperactivity/restlessness] had the most frequency [7.8%] and subscales D [problems with self concept] and A [attention/memory problem] were least common [2%]. ADHD group had higher rates of positive history of psychiatric problems and medicationuse. It seems necessary that university students be screened for this disorder and be referred to psychiatrist for further evaluation and treatment to improve their academic function and personal relations